NSG cover to politicos set to rise despite Centre's promises

The Centre's attempts to cut down on security cover to politicians provided by the elite National Security Guard (NSG) seem to have hit a roadblock.

Between 2009 and 2011, when finance minister P. Chidambaram was in charge of the home ministry, the number of NSG protectees was brought down to 14.

However, a few additions increased this number to 17.

Akhilesh Yadav was given Z plus security after he became CM based on an increased threat perception

One recent addition was Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav. Sources said more are expected, and that the number might go up to 20 soon.

Though the force's primary duty is anti-terror operations and it specialises in hostage rescue, hijacking situations and post-blast probes, it ends up using resources for VIP security.

Sources said the government has to provide the NSG commandos to some political leaders because of "political compulsions".

Interestingly, Akhilesh was provided the Z plus category security (NSG provides mobile security) soon after he took over as CM based on an increased threat perception.

The demand for Z plus security was made by the state government. His father and former UP chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav was already receiving NSG security.

While Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh's request has been granted, sources said Punjab CM Prakash Singh Badal's son Sukhbir Singh is also making efforts to get the commandos. Badal senior has also been given NSG cover.

"VIP security is a question of state policy based on threat perception. We do not have a role in it," Arvind Ranjan, NSG director general, said.

"There is no need for NSG security for most but it is given for political reasons. The Centre had cut the list but it appears that it will increase," an official said.

Former director general of NSG J.K. Dutt, feels that the force should be exclusively used for anti-terror operations.

"There should be a separate force for VIP security. The type of training the NSG undergo is very aggressive and is not required for security cover. If that cannot be done then the number of protectees should not be increased. There should be a fixed minimum number," he said.

At any given time there are around 600 commandos deputed for VIP security.

"There are instances when 100-200 additional commandos may be required," a source said.

The NSG has started training female commandos, deploying them with protectees such as Mayawati and Jayalalithaa.

Delhi spent Rs 341 crore on VIP security

The Delhi government spent over Rs 341 crore in providing security to VIPs under the Delhi Police security cover in the last fiscal.

This includes Rs 38 crore (approximately) allotted in 2012-13 for security cover in Rashtrapati Bhavan.

In an affidavit filed before the Supreme Court, the state submitted that it was providing security cover to 376 central and 83 local protectees.

It said a list of such persons, along with those granted Z plus security cover, will be provided to the court in sealed cover.

It added that 8,049 personnel were involved in security to VIPs as against 3,448 in crime prevention and investigation.

Another 63,985 personnel were involved in maintaining law and order and 5,847 in traffic duties.

According to the affidavit, the total strength of the Delhi Police is 83,452.

State additional secretary (home) G.P. Singh clarified that security was provided to dignitaries keeping in view both their status and threat perception.